Foxtel raises fees a second time

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Foxtel subscribers face another fee rise next month after the
company spent millions on its digital service, launched earlier
this year.

The cost of the basic package will rise from $587 to just under
$600 a year, while the platinum package will cost $1170, up from
$1140. Foxtel denied it was on a mission to recover costs after
spending $600 million on its digital service, which was launched in
March.

The increase, effective December 1, is the second rise since the
launch of the digital network.

Foxtel's spokesman, Mark Furness, said the company was running
at a loss and might further increase prices at a later date.

"The bottom line is that we are investing $600 million in the
digital platform, that Foxtel continues to be a loss-making
business and that from time to time we will have some modest price
increases," Mr Furness said.

The company, however, confirmed it had a growing subscriber base
and an increase in advertising.